From Tatarstan monuments to converted cathedrals, these historical mosques diversify the domain of religious tourism.
When one thinks of Islamic religious tourism, one's mind most commonly drifts to the Middle East, the region that is most widely associated with the religion. However, just because the region is rich with historical mosques, doesn’t mean that it is the only destination for mosque sightseeing; there are a myriad of mosques scattered throughout the globe that showcase the diversity of Islamic culture.
For your globetrotting purposes, we’ve compiled a list of the coolest history-packed mosques around the world…
Qutb Minar Complex, India
From a distance, the Qutb Minar Complex in Delhi looks like a giant telescope turned upside down amid the city’s Aravalli Hills, or so historian William Dalrymple called it. In reality, though, the red-and-buff sandstone complex represents one of the earliest structures of Muslim rule in India, built by Qutbuddin Aibak, the first sultan of Delhi, after defeating the Hindu rulers in 1192. A must-visit historical site, the complex showcases a series of burials, two mosques, and the famous towering five-story minaret.
The Great Mosque Of Xi’an, China
As one of the largest mosques in China, spanning an expanse of 12,300 square metres, the Great Mosque of Xi’an is quite a spectacle for travellers. The towering building, suspected to be built in the early years of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD) exhibits a unique blend of Islamic and Chinese architecture, and a main worship hall with a peacock blue glazed tile roof. Every tiny detail in this mosque is its own masterpiece.
Shah Faisal Mosque, Pakistan
Like a glowing diamond lying amid the green Margalla Hills of Islamabad, Pakistan, Shah Faisal Mosque is entirely covered in luminous white marble. The mosque’s unique architecture did not come by easily, though, as it was chosen out of a fierce competition involving 43 proposals from 17 different countries. The winner was Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay, who designed the expansive mosque in 1986, under the auspice of King Faisal of Saudi Arabia.
Baiturrahman Grand Mosque, Indonesia
As per the many testimonies of tourists who’ve been to Banda Aceh, the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque is a must-visit - not only because it’s a beautiful monument, but also because the 4,760-square-metre structure is impossible to miss. With the capacity to hold over 9,000 worshippers, the mosque boasts a 35-metre tower, seven grand domes and seven minarets, so there’s much room for exploration. The mosque also carries a rich history that dates back to 1612, when it was initially built from wood, before being burnt down in the Aceh war in 1873. The historical monument was then rebuilt in 1879, when Major General Vander realised just how much of a treasure it was to locals.
Putra Mosque, Malaysia
Kind of like da Vinci’s Mona Lisa in the Louvre, it is said that Putra Mosque’s iconic pink dome can be seen from anywhere in Putrajaya. The view of the dome from within the mosque, however, is another story. Crafted from pink granite, the domes show off intricate embellishments one could spend hours gazing at, combining both Islamic and Malay architectural elements. The mosque was constructed in 1999, and is named after the first Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tungku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj.
Kul Sharif Mosque, Russia
Rooted in a history of noble perseverance, the Kul Sharif is named after the religious scholar Kul Sharif, who died alongside his students defending Kazan from Russian forces in 1552. To symbolise rebirth and resilience, the mosque is extensively decorated with inscriptions of tulips, and holds a rich library of ancient books and manuscripts telling the history of Kazan and Tatarstan.
Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, Cyprus
As the largest remaining medieval building in Famagusta, Cyprus, Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque carries a rich history that spans centuries. In fact, before the mosque was, well, a mosque it was actually a cathedral, named the Latin Cathedral of Saint Nicholas. It then became the Saint Sophia (Ayasofya) Mosque of Famagusta, before finally becoming the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque. The monument is characterised by a Gothic architectural design, decorative tracery windows and unique inscriptions.
